Tea Traditions in Georgia during New Year, Christmas & Old New Year
, by Tea Country, 4 min reading time
In Georgia, winter holidays are filled with rich traditions, warm hospitality, and family gatherings—and tea plays a special role in every celebration. At Tea Country, we honor these customs by offering premium Georgian teas that have been part of festive moments for generations.
1.Ending the Holiday Feast With Authentic Georgian Tea - New Year’s Eve and Christmas supras (festive tables) are known for abundant dishes and long toasts. At the end of the feast, families traditionally brew Georgian green or black tea to relax, help digestion, and continue conversations late into the night. A cup of high-quality Georgian tea marks a peaceful, comforting close to the celebration.
2. Greeting Holiday Guests With Tea and Sweet Treats - December and January bring constant guests and visits. In true Georgian hospitality, no one is welcomed without a warm cup of tea. It’s often paired with: gozinaki, churchkhela, dried fruit, or homemade jams “served with tea” - Offering tea symbolizes warmth, abundance, and respect—values deeply rooted in Georgian culture.
3. Midnight Tea on New Year’s Eve - After fireworks and outdoor festivities, many families gather again around the table for a pot of freshly brewed Georgian tea. This quiet tradition represents: warmth at the start of the new year, closeness among family and ending the night in comfort.
4. Tea for the “Mekvle” – The First Guest of the Year - The mekvle (first-footer) is believed to bring good fortune to the home. Houses often greet this special guest with sweets and a cup of hot tea, symbolizing a “warm and peaceful year ahead.”
5. Tea on Christmas Eve During the Light Fast - On Orthodox Christmas Eve, Georgians eat lightly and often drink tea with nuts and dried fruit. It keeps the body warm and energised before attending night services. Returning home, families often continue the evening with another pot of tea, sharing quiet moments together.
6. Old New Year: A Cozy, Tea-Filled Evening - Old New Year (January 14) is one of Georgia’s most relaxed holidays. Families stay in, talk, rest, and enjoy Georgian green or herbal teas. It’s a gentle, comforting close to the long festive season.
7. Regional Herbal Teas for Winter Celebrations - Many Georgian households keep a winter stock of locally gathered herbal teas such as: mountain thyme (kondari); mint or wild berries. These naturally grown herbs create soothing cups perfect for winter evenings and family gatherings.
Tea Country: Bringing Georgian Holiday Warmth to Your Home - For generations, tea has been at the heart of Georgia’s New Year and Christmas traditions—warming families, greeting guests, and making every moment feel welcoming and at Tea Country, we continue this heritage by offering authentic Georgian green, black, and herbal teas crafted in the mountains of western Georgia. Whether you're celebrating or simply embracing the winter season, a cup of Georgian tea brings the warmth and spirit of our culture straight to your home.
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